Defence
Minister only a facilitator, not boss of Pakistani defence organization, says
Pakistan's Minister of Defence

On December 30, Federal Minister of Defence, Engr. Khurram
Dastgir Khan, MNA, made highly significant pronouncements on civil-military
relations and the role of Minister of Defence.

Talking to Mr. Saleem Safi in his talk show Jirga,
Mr. Khan said that there is indeed 'tanao' or tension in civil military
relations in Pakistan. He also said that Defence Minister is not the boss or
in-charge of Defence Organization, as is the diktat of the Constitution; that
Defence Minister is merely a facilitator at best and most of the time even marginalised
at that, while Prime Minister directly deals with leadership of the Armed Forces.
Some of the key excerpts paraphrased below from his interview are:

We [PML-N] have learnt that individually good relations between Services
Chiefs and PM do not solve issues in civil-military relations. There have
to be good inter-institutional relations

We have to "search for truth in facts;" that while the Constitution is
an ideal and inspiration but facts, on the ground, are different

National Security Committee (NSC) is perhaps the best forum for dialogue
on civil-military relations and now we [PML-N Government] are using it more
regularly

PML-N party leader Nawaz Sharif felt that merely winning the next election
would be meaningless unless "awam ka haq-i-hakmiat" or the people's
right to rule was not established and accepted. PML-N will go to the next
General Election with the manifesto of supremacy of people

When asked what is the minor difference of opinion on foreign relations
between the civilian Government and the Armed Forces, he said that they
are absolutely on the same page as far as relations with the US are concerned
but on Afghanistan there are minor issues. He rather profoundly said that
" ham bar bar yeh clarity chahtey hain Afwaj-e-Pakistan sey keh jo
kuch bhi Afghanistan mein ho raha hai, us ka koi ta'aluq Pakistan sey nahin
hona chahiyey ."

It is difficult to recall a more candid interview by a Pakistani
Defence minister on the subject of civil-military relations. This is a sensitive
and serious matter, seldom discussed in the open by a sitting Defence Minister
in the past, leading the country to an almost definitive but discomforting conclusion
that civil-military relations may be moving towards an era of 'open warfare'.
No country can allow such tensions between State institutions or between popular
political parties and the security establishment, especially given the prevailing
tense relations with a superpower and some neighbouring countries.

COAS attends meeting
of the Senate Committee of the Whole

On December 19, in an in-camera session of the Senate Committee
of the Whole, DG MO Major General Sair Shamshad Mirza, briefed the Senate upon
the invitation extended by the Chairman Senate, while the COAS answered queries
of the Senators.[1] According
to the Senate of Pakistan, the in-camera meeting was held " to prepare
policy guidelines in the light of the emerging regional realities " as
well as " to deliberate upon the emerging national security paradigm for
Pakistan specially with respect to the recent foreign visits of the Chief of
Army Staff and other recent developments in this regard ." The briefing
was attended by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) along with the DG MO, DG MI,
DG ISI and DG ISPR. [2]

While the briefing was in-camera, news media reported details
through various quotes from the DG ISPR as well as a number of Senators who
were part of the briefing. The meeting, we are told, lasted for over three hours,
in which first the COAS "gave an overview which was followed by a detailed presentation
by Major General Sair Shamshad Mirza, DG MO." After the presentation, the COAS
"personally answered the questions asked by the Members which touched upon all
areas of national interest and security," as per the Senate website.

In recent history, Gen. Bajwa is the second COAS to have come
to Parliament for a briefing following such a briefing by the erstwhile COAS
Kayani and then-DG ISI Lt. Gen. Pasha who briefed joint session of the Parliament
in May 2011 after the killing of Osama bin Ladin in the Abbottabad operation.
In terms of personally answering the questions of the parliamentarians or any
of its committee, Gen. Bajwa's may be regarded as the first of its kind.

That the COAS briefed a house of the Parliament is both a
good development and also brings home the stark reality of the miles Pakistan's
democratic oversight of defence have to travel to follow the norm in other developed
democracies. The fanfare with which the COAS was received was almost similar
to a head of a State opening the Parliament in Pakistan or in other democracies.
Such appearances are common and usual occurrence in democracies such as UK [3]and
next-door India[4] where heads
and representatives of respective defence forces regularly appear before their
relevant Parliamentary committees to both brief them and answer their questions.
The Parliament and Pakistan's democratic order need to efficiently and speedily
evolve in a manner that such briefings should be a normal and regular occurrence
by the relevant Parliamentary Committees and not at the level of Joint Session
or one house of Parliament.

In an awkward though familiar pattern, as experienced after
previous in-camera sessions of the Parliament, instantly, after the meeting,
various quotes and information from the session flashed on the media, thus proving
the age-old wariness of the security leadership towards politicians that they
can not be trusted with sensitive national security information. This breach
formed the basis of the Dawn Leaks story and its investigation. Parliament and
Parliamentary committees must win and maintain trust of security establishments,
in order to carry out an effective and efficient oversight of defence and security
sector, an advice that comes from established democracies including the British
Parliament. Similar advice was given to a Pakistani delegation, that included
Honourable Senator and now Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani, as well as Senator
Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Defence, by Rt.
Hon. Sir Malcom Rifkind, chair of the UK Intelligence and Security Committee,
during a PILDAT facilitated Study Visit to UK.Mr. Rifkind
said that winning and maintaining trust is extremely important
irrespective of what the law says adding that since its formation, there has
never been any 'leak' from the ISC with regard to information provided by the
intelligence services to the Committee. While it is important for Security establishment
to know that it has to answer questions asked by the Parliament and its Committees,
"a relationship based on mutual trust" also has to be cultivated. [5]
It is, therefore, commendable that Senator Rabbani has taken the leaks from
the in-camera session seriously and has referred the matter to the House Business
Advisory Committee for probe. [6]

Khawaja Saad Rafique's
Statement and Response by DG ISPR

Khwaja Saad Rafique's statement on December 24 generated a
great deal of heat and controversy. His words seemed to imply that subordinate
institutions under the Army Chief create occasional mischief although the stated
policy of the Army Chief was pro-democracy and in harmony with the civilian
government's policies. The DG ISPR did not waste much time in declaring the
Federal Minister's statement 'irresponsible' at a news conference.

Khawaja Saad Rafique, in a ceremony marking his father's death
anniversary, said that Gen Bajwa's appearance before Senators on December 19
was a confidence-boosting move as he upheld the democratic norms and continuity
of democratic system in the country. In his remarks, Mr. Rafique added that
democratic ethos of the COAS must be commended and appreciated by everyone -
including by those upon whom his command is mandatory, adding that institutions
under the COAS must desist from mischief making against democratic governments.
( Iss ki tayeed unhain bhi karni chahiye jin par un ka hukm lazim hai;
unhain bhi uss hukm ke ata'at karni chahiye …. Iss ki support unhain bhi
karni chahiye jo choti choti sharartain kertay hain ). [8]

"We take this statement with concern," said the DG ISPR. He
also said that the Minister's statement "does not appear to be un-intended;
it is irresponsible and unwarranted, because it is targeting chain of command
and subordination system of Pakistan Army." He also said that Federal Minister's
statement "violated the Constitution," and added that " agar aisi line chairain
ge tau bohot se irtiash paida hon ge." (If such a line is taken, there
will be reverberations/repercussions.)

Members of the
Standing Committees on Defence visit LoC

Members of the Senate and National Assembly Standing Committees on Defence
on a visit to the Line of Control in Azad Kashmir, on December 05, 2017

The ISPR reported that that on December 05, a delegation of
members of Standing Committees on Defence from both houses of the Parliament
visited at Line of Control (LoC) in Azad Kashmir. The delegation was briefed
about the situation alongside the LoC, Indian violations of the Cease Fire,
loss of civilian life, and damage to property. [9]

National Security
Advisor meets former Premier?

First time after the disqualification of former Premier Mr.
Nawaz Sharif, National Security Advisor to Prime Minister, Lt. Gen Nasser Khan
Janjua, reportedly met with Mr. Sharif, at his Jati Umra residence in Raiwind,
Lahore on December 28. Reportedly, the meeting continued for 5 hours, where
Mr. Sharif stressed on the need to maintain friendly ties with neighbouring
countries.[10]

PML-N Information Secretary, and Minister for Climate Change,
Senator Mushahid Ullah Khan, while answering a question about Mr. Nawaz's strained
relations with the military establishment, and his involvement in government
affairs despite his disqualification, said that, "the security adviser does
not need anybody's permission to brief the PML-N chief on security issues as
he is a civilian member of the cabinet." He also added that Mr Sharif is chief
of the ruling PML-N and could meet any member of his party's government." [11]

Later some media reports contradicted that such a meeting
ever took place. Both the former PM and NSA's office neither confirmed nor denied
the meeting.

If the meeting took place, it was not clear what NSA might
have discussed for five hours with the former PM who does not hold a public
office any more.

PM Abbasi visits
deep sea with Pakistan Navy

PM Abbasi receiving the Dolphin insignia of the Pakistan Navy

On a three-day visit to Karachi, from December 22-24, during
an operational review of the Pakistan Navy, Prime Minister Abbasi boarded a
submarine in open sea, which made him the first Prime Minister of Pakistan having
done so. He was awarded the Dolphin insignia of the Pakistan Navy. He also witnessed
replenishment exercise by the Navy, rocket depth charge firing by ship &
aircraft and helicopter-borne board, search & seizure. The premier expressed
satisfaction with the operational preparedness of the Pakistan Navy.[12]

206th
Corps Commanders' Conference

206th Corps Commanders' Conference, chaired by COAS

The COAS chaired the 206th Corps Commanders' Conference
at the GHQ on December 05, 2017, where he took the top military brass on-board
on his "military diplomacy" in his recent international visits, as well as interactions
with foreign dignitaries. The forum also discussed internal and external security
situation with special reference to Afghanistan. Operational review of Operation
Radd ul Fasaad, as well as Khushal Balochistan programme, launched to improve
stability in Balochistan through security and socio-economic development. [13]

PILDAT has continued to comment on growing role of Army Chiefs
in Pakistan's foreign relations. That visits and interactions often take place
in the absence of representatives of Pakistan's foreign office is contrary to
the norms of democratic governance. That continuing this should be dubbed as
military diplomacy is a notion not in sync with the Constitution and democratic
governance in Pakistan. Much like every system of democratic governance, military's
input in Foreign Policy is, and should be, sought and considered by each elected
Government and should preferably be done so in Pakistan at the forum of the
NSC by the elected Premier.

It appears that the Government has made 'mainstreaming of
the Balochs through development programmes' also the responsibility of the Pakistan
Army. If the Army Chief has to personally address both regional and foreign
policy issues, and has to oversee issues of development as well, isn't he heading
an institution that is overburdened above and beyond the principle requirements
of national defence? With such praiseworthy institutional capabilities, the
formation commanders under the able guidance of the COAS would do well to find
a solution to unnecessary and unwarranted overreach of the Pakistan Military
in other than defence affairs. A country dealing with serious issues of prevailing
tense relations with a superpower and neighbouring countries urgently requires
all institutions to come together to find a solution to the continuing issue
of multiple power centres.

Continuing Role
of COAS in Foreign Affairs

The COAS continues to play an active role in the diplomatic
domain. Following is an account of his diplomatic interactions during November
2017:

Lieutenant General Muhammad Jawad Khadum Al-Abadi, General Secretary
Iraqi Ministry of Defence, paid a visit to the Chief of Army Staff, General
Qamar Javed Bajwa, at the GHQ on December 06, 2017, to discuss matters of
regional security.[14]

U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. David Hale, called on the COAS at the
GHQ on December 11, 2017, to discuss matters of mutual interest and regional
security.[15]

Yet another dignitary from the Middle East interacted with the COAS on
the same day. Mr. Walid A.M. Abu Ali, Ambassador of the State of Palestine,
called on the COAS, at the GHQ, on December 12, 2017, where he thanked the
COAS for Pakistan's support to the Palestinian cause. The COAS reassured
the ambassador that the Palestinian issue is at par with the Kashmir issue
to Pakistan, and Palestine has Pakistan's unequivocal support. [17]

Pakistan Army's
Public Relations Activities

Seminar for Youth in Balochistan

Members of media, civil-society, and politicians attend seminar on 'Human
Resource Development for the Youth of Balochistan - Opportunities and Challenges,'
on December 07, 2017 in Quetta

Pakistan Army organized a seminar on "Human Resource Development
for the Youth of Balochistan - Opportunities and Challenges" in Quetta,
on December 07, 2017. Members of academia and civil society, media and politicians
took part in the seminar, as well as youth from Balochistan. [18]
The Chief of Army Staff was the keynote speaker in the seminar, and he laid
emphasis on the need for development in education in Balochistan. He said
that where madrasah system is well established in Balochistan, it causes
students to be left behind in the march of development, as students are
only given religious education in madrasahs. He called for quality education
in the province.[19]

Youth Jirga at ISPR Directorate

Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa addressing Tribal Elders
from FATA and members of Youth Jirga at ISPR Directorate in Islamabad on
December 13, 2017

After the decision by the Government to delay FATA Reforms
bill, and subsequent uproar in the National Assembly, tribal elders from
FATA and members of Youth Jirga called on the COAS at the ISPR Directorate
on December 13, 2017, to express their views on mainstreaming of FATA and
way forward.[20] The COAS
held discussions with both the groups separately, and reiterated his support
for mainstreaming of the Tribal belt. [21]

Commander Peshawar Corps, Director General Inter-Services
Intelligence, and Chief of General Staff were also present on the occasion.
A similar Youth delegation from FATA had also visited the ISPR last month
as well. [22]

COAS celebrates Christmas

COAS joined in Christmas day celebrations

The COAS took part in Christmas day celebrations held
at Christ Church in Rawalpindi on December 25, 2017. The congregation thanked
the COAS for being a part of the festivities, and the COAS acknowledged
the contributions of the Christian community in various fields. He especially
acknowledged their contributions in defence of motherland as part of Pakistan
Armed Forces.[23]

23rd
Meeting of National Command Authority

After a gap of nearly two years, the 23rd session
of the National Command Authority (NCA) took place under the chairmanship of
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on December 21, 2017. The NCA law does not
set periodicity of meetings except stating that " the Authority shall meet
at such time and place and in such a manner as may be prescribed ." [24]

The NCA is the apex civilian led command to oversee the employment,
policy formulation, exercises, deployment, research and development, and operational
command and control of Pakistan's nuclear arsenals. In the press statement after
the meeting, it was shared that Pakistan's defence doctrine 'essentially means
possessing a complete range of weapons with enough … to have all Indian
targets … within the striking range.'[25]

National Security
Committee Meeting

The 16th meeting of the National Security Committee
was held on December 18, 2017, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Mr.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. The meeting discussed foreign policy matters in light
of the recent move of US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. It also reviewed
the security situation in the GCC States and Iran, in light of relations with
Pakistan.[26]

The council tasked National Security Advisor to finalize the
National Security Policy. The meeting was attended by Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister
for Interior; Lt. General (Retd.) Nasser Khan Janjua, National Security Advisor;
General Zubair Mehmood Hayat, Chairman JCSC; General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief
of the Army Staff; Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Chief of the Naval Staff; Air
Chief Marshall Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff and other senior civil and
military officials. [27] Federal
Minister of Defence was not reported to be part of the meeting.

PM, COAS meet
Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehmanto discuss FATA
reforms

Although no official word came from the Prime Minister's Office,
a meeting took place between Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief, Maulana
Fazlur Rehman, Prime Minister Abbasi and Chief of Army Staff, on December 19,
2017, Maulana Fazlur Rehman revealed to reporters later. The meeting took place
to discuss FATA reforms. JUI-F is one of the two parties stonewalling FATA reforms
due to some concerns. Dawn writes that, 'Army chief's participation in the meeting
is being viewed as a significant development, since most of FATA is being looked
after by the Army, especially the areas where military operations are in progress.'
[28]

The JUI-F Chief said that the meeting took place in the Prime
Minister's chambers, and he was informed there that the COAS had wished to meet
him. However, he informed that although further consultations will continue
with the government over the reforms bill, "there will be no further meeting
with the military leadership on the issue." [29]

Land allotted
to Army to move GHQ to Islamabad

After a high-level meeting in Islamabad between Capital Development
Authority officials, and the Pakistan Army, it was decided that 1000 acres of
land will be handed over to the Army so that the General Headquarters (GHQ)
can be shifted from Rawalpindi, to the Federal Capital.

The plan to move the GHQ from Rawalpindi to Islamabad was
shelved in 2008-09 due to critical comments appearing in national and social
media, financial constraints, as well as on the instruction of the then Army
Chief, Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani. According to CDA officials, affectees of this
land distribution will be accommodated in H-17 or I-16, which will later be
developed by the CDA. The military has also asked CDA officials in a letter
to demarcate Army land in the Margallas, so the Army can take proper control
of it.[30]

Earlier Dawn also reported extension of Defence Housing Authority
Karachi. More land was requested on the basis that, "The Pak Army has a pressing
need to rehabilitate the families of the martyrs and DHA Karachi has no option
but to request you to meet this obligation towards those who have laid [down]
their lives for the motherland." [31]

Dawn reports that, "DHA Karachi requested the land for DCK
- 11,640 acres first and 8,000 acres later - for the purpose of rehabilitating
the families of the soldiers martyred in the 'war on terror'. According to military
sources, an estimated 6,000 personnel have been martyred in the war against
terrorism since 2001.

According to Administrator DHA Brig Ali, the fallen soldiers
are compensated according to their rank, albeit there can be exceptions to this
rule."

Army Chief
Visits his Hometown: Announces construction of a Stadium

In a visit to his hometown of Gakhar Mandi, the Chief of Army
Staff announced the construction of a sports stadium costing Rs. 175 million,
as well as a revamp of the entire sewage system of the town, and construction
of a boundary wall of the graveyard. He also ordered the immediate removal of
the cattle market along the boundary walls of government Degree College for
girls and boys.[32]

It, however, remained unclear whether the Chief of Army Staff
has asked the Provincial or Federal Government to undertake these projects or
these will be constructed from the budget of the Army.

PM-COAS Interactions

Prime Minister, Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abassi, and the Chief of
Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, met thrice during the month of December
2017:

On December 18, 2017, the PM met the COAS in the 16th National
Security Committee meeting. Other attendees included: Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister
for Interior; Lt. General (Retd.) Nasser Khan Janjua, National Security
Advisor; General Zubair Mehmood Hayat, Chairman JCSC; Admiral Zafar Mahmood
Abbasi, Chief of the Naval Staff; Air Chief Marshall Sohail Aman, Chief
of the Air Staff and other senior civil and military officials.[33]
Federal Minister of Defence was not reported to be part of the meeting.

On December 19, 2017, the Prime Minister, along with the COAS, held a
meeting with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman
in Islamabad. Federal Minister of Defence was not reported to be part of
the meeting.

On December 21, 2017, the PM attended the 23rd meeting of the
National Command Authority, along with the Chief of Army Staff. Federal
Minister of Defence was part of the meeting.

International News

Philippine Navy
Chief sacked in surprise move

Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, Philippine's Chief of
Naval Staff, was removed from his post four months ahead of his retirement and
replaced by Rear Admiral Robert Empedrad, in compliance with "the instructions
from higher authorities," according to Philippine's military spokesperson. [34]

According to Reuters, 'the former navy chief had lost the
"trust and confidence" of Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana,' who is the head
of Department of National Defence and a member of the President's Cabinet. A
military official explained that, "There were some policy differences between
the defence department and the navy over the 18 billion pesos ($358 million)
acquisition of two brand-new frigates from South Korea." [35]